Buying a new car is exciting for anyone. You picture smooth drives down Mulholland Drive, weekend getaways to Malibu, and never-ending playlists without a single hiccup from your vehicle. 

But what happens when that dream car turns into a recurring headache? Is your 2021–2024 vehicle a lemon in California?

If it keeps breaking down after multiple repair attempts, that could be the case. The state’s lemon laws are here to help. Here is what LA drivers need to know.

When Is a Car Considered a Lemon?

In California, a lemon is a vehicle that fails to meet quality and performance standards despite multiple repair attempts. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a car can be considered a lemon if:

• It has a substantial defect covered by warranty that affects its use, safety, or value.
  
• The defect has not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
  
• The problems occur within the first 18 months of ownership or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

If your car keeps acting up and it is impacting your daily life and safety, it could be a lemon under the law. 

What Are a Few Signs Your Car Might Be a Lemon?

For Los Angeles drivers, there are some issues that can be frustrating, especially as you battle with the city’s traffic and long commutes. You expect a new car to spend more time on the road than the repair shop. If you think you may have been sold a lemon, some of these red flags may include:

• Repeated transmission or engine problems that are not fixed after multiple visits to the dealership.
  
• Electrical issues that affect important features like brakes, airbags, or infotainment systems.
  
• Persistent leaks or fluid problems that continue even after repairs.
  
• Safety concerns that make the car unsafe to drive, like steering or brake failures.

If you have been in and out of the shop more than a couple of times for the same issue, you may want to pay attention and seek legal advice.

How California Lemon Law Works

California’s lemon law is designed to protect drivers from paying for a car that does not work as promised. Here is what to do if your vehicle may fall under this classification:

• Document everything: Keep all repair orders, invoices, and communication with the dealership. This is your golden ticket if you need to prove your case.
• Give the dealer a “reasonable number” of repair attempts: In most cases, the law considers two or more serious attempts as enough. However, what counts as “reasonable” can vary, so always talk about your situation with an attorney.
• Notify the manufacturer: California law requires you to inform the manufacturer if repairs have not solved the problem. Many issues are resolved at this stage.

If your car is ruled a lemon, the manufacturer may be required to replace your vehicle with a comparable model or refund your purchase price (minus a reasonable usage fee).

Tips for LA Drivers Who May Have a Lemon Vehicle 

If you believe you have a lemon, you need to act right away. Remember, the sooner you notice patterns of failure, the stronger your case. Along with that, you need to use certified repair shops, like a dealership or authorized service center. Sometimes, those repairs done elsewhere may not count toward your case. 

It is also important to track every repair visit, what was fixed, and how long the car was out of commission. This record is vital to your case. After that, make sure to reach out to an experienced California lemon law lawyer. These cases can get complicated, especially when dealing with manufacturers. A local attorney can help you take those next steps to take legal action.

LA Drivers Have Options If Their Car Is a Lemon

Is your 2021–2024 vehicle a lemon in California? LA drivers can take action. You need to know your rights under California lemon law and consider consulting an attorney for your potential claim. You worked hard for your ride, and you shouldn’t let a lemon sour your experience.

Remember, the road to justice might be a bit bumpy, but with the right approach, you could be back on smooth streets. At BLVD Law, we can help you learn more about your options if you believe you might have a lemon. Schedule a consultation today.